Adams POV:
It had been another hard week in the trenches, the Germans were hitting us hard, it seemed as if the ground were shaking every second of every day. Matthew and I had leave coming soon and it couldn't come fast enough.
Private Harold's: Captain Redson, this has come for you.
He hands me a small letter, I opened it with excitement, it was from non other then Lady Jane Crawley. The letter was sweet and brought me more joy then I have had in the last six months. Just then Matthew came hurrying down.
Matthew: What are you reading there Redson?
Adam: A letter from Jane, in fact there's one here for you as well.
Matthew: Oh? Really? How sweet.
Matthew open his letter and reads and smiles.
Matthew: I do love Jane, she's always been very kind to me, even when I first arrived.
I nod and smile and then we both hear back up to see what the damage has been.
Thomases POV:
I'm in the process of carrying wounded to the medical bunker when Private Harolds runs up to me and shoves a letter into my hand.
Sergeant Daniels: YOU CAN READ THAT LATER CORPRAL BARROW! GET A MOVE ON!
I shove the letter into my pocket and carry on. After I've finished with my duties for the moment I sit down in the dirt and open the letter and see that it's from Lady Jane. I read it and it brings a great big smile to my face immediately. I decided to write back.
Dear Lady Jane Crawley,
I have received your letter, thank you so much for taking time out of your day to write to me. It made my time in the trenches bareable. I assure you that I am taking care of myself, but you had better eat those lemon drops yourself my lady, I shan't know when I'll be getting back. But please do not worry yourself, especially on my behalf.
Sincerely
Corporal Barrow
I seal up the letter and post it immediately, I hope his lordship won't mind too much that I've written his daughter a letter from the front. I know it's not proper but I've know that girl since she was a child. I consider her a friend, I'm not sure she considers me in the same regard, I do hope so.
Roberts POV:
At tea I received a telegram from Matthew and Adam that informed us that they would be coming for leave in the next few days. I couldn't be happier! I would tell the family at dinner time.
That evening as we were sat down to dinner I let the news slip and everyone was jovial in response.
Cora: Well! How wonderful! They must stay here!
Robert: Well I believe that Matthew will want to stay in his own house but it appears that Adam has wondered if he could stay here since his parents and his grandmother are staying in Ripon.
Cora: Why don't they just stay here? We can improve on Ripon surely.
Violet: What is wrong with Ripon exactly?
Cora: Well nothing but if Adam is staying here then it makes sense for his family to stay with us doesnt?
Violet: So to make things more convenient for a man that has been staying at this house for weeks on end we are now going to invite his entire family to stay with us?
Robert: I thought you liked Adam mama?
Violet: I never said I didn't like him, I just don't think we should be inviting people hither and thither all the time.
I saw Mary roll her eyes. The rest of the dinner went off without a hitch and Cora and I soon retired to bed.
Cora: I'm sure you're very relieved that Matthew is alright.
Robert: And Adam.
Cora: Of course Adam as well, but Adam isn't your heir.
Robert: Do you really think that's the only reason I care about Matthew? Granted it is one of them but I also love him like a son. And Adam is a very nice chap and has been nothing but wonderful while he's been in our lives.
Cora: And you're also hoping to fling him at either Edith or Sybil.
Robert: Well, it couldn't hurt.
We both laugh and then get in bed and turn out our lights.
